Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley during the 1993 NBA Finals in Chicago. Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Charles Barkley Reveals How Michael Jordan Made Him $50 Million From Nike Stock

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 8:17 PM ET

Despite never winning a title, Charles Barkley is among the best (and most beloved) NBA players of all time.

Barkley (who was sponsored by Nike) revealed how Michael Jordan made him around $50 million in stock options.

Barkley (via The Dan Patrick Show): "At the time, I was making about $3 million a year... He said I want you to quit taking taking $3 million. Take a million and take the other $2 million in stock options... I ended up probably making, seriously, another $50 million, to be honest with you."

Barkley played a time where the NBA salaries were much lower than they are now.

Not counting his endorsements (or Nike stock), Barkley had $40.6 million in NBA career earnings (h/t Spotrac).

Via NBA History (on May 25, 2020): "On this day in 1993, Charles Barkley won the NBA MVP, averaging 25.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 5.1 APG and leading the @Suns to the best record in the NBA! #NBAVault"

On this day in 1993, Charles Barkley won the NBA MVP, averaging 25.6 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 5.1 APG and leading the @Suns to the best record in the NBA! #NBAVault pic.twitter.com/kLHOi8bx3m
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 26, 2020